Free Waffle Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner-friendly Knit Pattern

Free Waffle Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner-friendly Knit Pattern

by Janice Jones, Certified Knitting Instructor (CKC),  Updated October 2025

Here is another simple beginner stitch that creates a fabric with bumps, reminiscent of tasty waffles. What better for a dishcloth?  What do you think? You might mistake this for a rib stitch because it involves making a pattern of knit and crochet stitches.

This is the perfect stitch pattern for a dishcloth or facecloth.

waffle stitch crochet dishcloth in green


  • It lies flat.
  • It's easy to do
  • It’s not frilly 
  • The wrong side looks fine, too

This stitch lies flat, so you won't need to worry about creating a border around it. But if you love borders, a four-row/four-stitch garter stitch border is easy to do and will enhance the look. 

If you would prefer to knit a sample first, I'll provide the instructions for a small swatch.  That way, you will know if this is the stitch pattern you want to use to create one or more dishcloths, an excellent gift for holiday giving. 

Directions for the Waffle Knit Stitch Swatch

CO a multiple of 3 +1

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p2; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: *P1, k2; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: Purl all stitches

Repeat those 4 rows to the length that you desire! These four rows complete the waffle pattern.

Diagonal view of the knit waffle stitch dishcloth

Ready to make one or more Dishcloths? Let's do it.

Waffle Stitch Dishcloth:  Beginner-Friendly Knit Pattern

Abbreviations

K=knit

P=Purl

CO=Cast On

BO=Bind off

*  *  Repeat from 

st = stitch

Materials

  • 100% Cotton Yarn (I used Hobby Lobby, I Love this Cotton)
  • Knitting needles US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle

Notes

All instructions are in U.S. terms.

Finished Dimensions

7.5 by 7.5 inches (19 x 19 cm)

Directions for Waffle Stitch Dishcloth

CO 37 sts. (3 + 1)

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p2; rep from * to last st. K1.

Row 2: *P1, k2; rep from * to last st. P1.

Row 3: Knit all stitches.

Row 4:  Purl all stitches.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until the piece measures approximately 7 /12 inches (19 cm) or your desired length.

Knit waffle stitch dishcloth worked in green yarn on a pin imageKnit Waffle Stitch Dishcloth

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